Adult Learn to Sail Classes
Welcome Aboard!
Let our knowledgeable volunteer instructors teach you the basics of sailing aboard their own stable, 22 to 27 ft. sailboats. Please find out how easy it can be to get started in a very exciting, fun, and challenging sport. Designed for beginner sailors, this course puts you on the water and at the helm with friendly and experienced sailors showing you how and building your confidence in the process.
With the course, we also invite you to participate in various ACSA social activities, including a summer Graduation Party for all our Learn To Sail students. You will meet other sailors and boat owners. You may even have the opportunity to watch or participate in racing!
Sailing courses are offered three times during the season on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Course fees are $275 per student, $225 for club members (yes, you can join the club even if you don't own a boat!) and include instruction, books and materials (yours to keep).
Sailing Class Schedule and Registration
Register early because sessions fill up quickly! Registration opens March 1.
Each session is comprised of 6 classes. Each class contains a short shore school at the start of the class followed by on-the-water training and instruction. The on-the-water experience reinforces the shore school training providing students both theory and practice. Depending on weather conditions, we generally complete the shore school aspect of each class in 30 minutes or less so we can focus the bulk of the training around on-the-water experience.
Weekday Sessions
Session 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, May 19 - June 4 -- Register now
Session 2: Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 9 - 25 -- Register now
Session 3: Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 30 - July 16 -- Register now
Course Details
The course offers up to 15 hours of sailing. You'll sail on stable and well-maintained keel-boats ranging from 22 to 27 feet in length. Ourcourse content includes but is not limited to:
- The Sailing Environment
- Personal Preparation & Safety
- Understanding Wind
- How a Sail Works
- Points of Sail
- Parts of a Sailboat
- Hoisting & Dousing Sails
- Tacking & Jibbing
- Sailing Upwind & Downwind
- Heeling, Speed Control, Stopping the Boat
- More
After completing the course, you may want to crew with us during Wednesday night races, attend a club meeting to understand more about the activities and benefits or buy a boat and secure a dock at our marina. Whatever your goal, you'll find that the learning and friendships do not stop with the completion of the class. We invite you, will help you, and welcome you to join us in our fun!
Some of our students have moved on to boat ownership, racing on Alum Creek, cruising on the Great Lakes and beyond. Some have used Adult Learn To Sail to introduce family members and friends to the sport. This course is a great first start to limitless possibilities on the water.
The curriculum for each Shore School Class, and for each On-the-Water Course being offered, is identical. It follows the US Sailing course format and recommendations for Basic Keelboat Instruction.
For more detailed information download the full course description (PDF).